Overview:

Shobak Castle is located on a hilltop near the town of Shobak, in south-western Jordan. It was constructed by the Crusaders in 1115 and was an important stronghold of the Latin East, controlling a vital defensive gateway to Jerusalem. The castle dominates the surrounding area and is set against a backdrop of dramatic desert scenery. Today it is a popular tourist attraction and is maintained by the Jordanian Department of Antiquities. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, along with a wealth of historical artifacts and cultural attractions. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Jordan
Prominent Features:

1. Solstice Symmetry: Shobak Castle is famous for its mathematical precision, with the walls and towers forming perfectly symmetrical shapes. The castle is aligned to the Summer and Winter solstices, making it a popular astronomical site of interest. 2. Historic Significance: Shobak Castle was built by Raynald de Châtillon, a Crusader knight, in 1184 to defend against Saladin. During its lifetime, the castle was used by multiple armies, and was frequently the main scene of the struggles between the Crusaders and Saladin. 3. Unique Architecture: Shobak Castle was constructed using limestone blocks with a large entrance gate featuring two separate towers. Some of the original defensive architecture from Crusades period still remains, making it an attractively unique structure. 4. Natural Surroundings: Shobak Castle is set in an oasis of greenery surrounded by milk white and ochre sandstone shines. Visitors to the castle can wander around the grounds and explore the gardens and palm trees around the structure. 5. Historical Legacy: The castle is now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the castle and learn about the history and significance it held for armies of the Crusades period. This national monument of Jordan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Shobak Castle, also known as Montreal Castle, is a Crusader castle located near the Jordanian city of Ma'an. It is one of the most important castles in the area and was constructed in 1115 by Baldwin I of Jerusalem as part of the Crusader expansion into Transjordan. A Frankish garrison maintained the castle for nearly one hundred years, before it fell to the Ayyubids in 1206. From 1217 until 1263, a Mamluk garrison held Shobak, and then it fell once again into Crusader hands. In 1280, Sultan Qalawun recaptured the castle and ordered it to be repaired. In 1291, the castle fell to the Mamluks of Egypt and Syria who held it until 1516 when it was captured by Al-Qasim, the Ottoman Sultan of Damascus. During the First World War, Shobak Castle was occupied by the Allied troops, who held it for a short time before withdrawing after the armistice. In 1929, the castle was restored by a French archaeological mission and in 1984, the Ministry of Antiquities in Jordan renovated the structure. Today, Shobak Castle is primarily visited by tourists from around the world. Visitors are allowed to explore the fortress, climb the walls, and explore the maze of tunnels and rooms that were once used by the forces that made the castle their home. You must visit one of these historical places in Jordan on your Jordan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Shobak Castle is located about 120 kilometers south of the city of Amman, Jordan, and is perched at the top of a limestone rock formation. 2. It is a Crusader fortress built in 1115 CE and was first used for defense against Muslim attacks during the Crusades. 3. The castle occupies an area of around 10,000 square meters and is one of the best preserved Crusader sites in the world. 4. It was constructed by the Knights Hospitaller, a religious and military order with close ties to the crusades. 5. The site is made up of two distinct sections, the inner and outer forts. 6. The outer fort was built during the Mameluke period, and is now in partially ruined condition, having been destroyed in 1816. 7. The inner fort is believed to have been built by King Baldwin I, the first Christian ruler of Jerusalem. 8. Inside the castle are four main towers, each equipped with crenellations for defense against projectiles. 9. An underground passageway was constructed to link the two forts. 10. Shobak Castle was also used as a prison during the late 19th century and held up to 80 prisoners at any given time. 11. The castle has been the site of several battle, including one between Saladin, a powerful sultan of Egypt, and King Baldwin IV. 12. In 1983, Shobak Castle was designated a National Monument of Jordan. Visit one of the famous monuments of Jordan with your friends and family.